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| The term '''adult''' describes any mature ], but normally it refers to a ]: one that is no longer a ] and is now either a ] or a ]. ] is the event of becoming an adult, i.e. of entering '''adulthood'''. | The term '''adult''' describes any mature ], but normally it refers to a ]: one that is no longer a ] and is now either a ] or a ]. ] is the event of becoming an adult, i.e. of entering '''adulthood'''. | ||
| Legally it means that one can engage in a ]. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable for e.g. parents losing ] rights and duties regarding the person concerned, parents losing financial responsibility, ], ], having a ], being a ], ], travelling abroad, drinking ]s (perhaps different ages for different categories), ], sex, being a ] (if legal at all), being a client of a prostitute, being a model or actor in ], etc. | Legally it means that one can engage in a ]. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable for e.g. parents losing ] rights and duties regarding the person concerned, parents losing financial responsibility, ], ], having a ], being a ], ], travelling abroad, drinking ]s (perhaps different ages for different categories), ], sex, being a ] (if legal at all), being a client of a prostitute, being a model or actor in ], etc. | ||
| The legal definition of entering adulthood varies between ages 16-21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in ] define adult at age 13, but most other civilizations consider this the ] stage. | The legal definition of entering adulthood varies between ages 16-21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in ] define adult at age 13, but most other civilizations consider this the ] stage. | ||
Revision as of 00:10, 24 July 2004
The term adult describes any mature organism, but normally it refers to a human: one that is no longer a child and is now either a man or a woman. Coming of age is the event of becoming an adult, i.e. of entering adulthood.
Legally it means that one can engage in a contract. The same or a different minimum age may be applicable for e.g. parents losing parenting rights and duties regarding the person concerned, parents losing financial responsibility, marriage, voting, having a job, being a soldier, driving, travelling abroad, drinking alcoholic beverages (perhaps different ages for different categories), smoking, sex, being a prostitute (if legal at all), being a client of a prostitute, being a model or actor in pornography, etc.
The legal definition of entering adulthood varies between ages 16-21, depending on the region in question. Some cultures in Africa define adult at age 13, but most other civilizations consider this the teenager stage.
Often the age is 18. Exceptions:
19: South Korea
20: Japan.
"Adult" also means "not considered suitable for children", in particular as euphemism for being related to sexual behaviour, e.g. adult entertainment, adult video, adult magazine, adult bookstore.
However, adult education simply means education for adults, not particularly sex education.